| UK. 8,300 ton chemical tanker and bulk carrier collide in mid channel |
|
|
|
| Tuesday, 31 January 2006 | |
|
Coastguard news: Two British helicopters are on scene with a Marshall Islands chemical tanker which was involved in a mid channel collision in the early hours of this morning. Two RNLI lifeboats from Alderney and St Peterport are also on scene. Portland Coastguard is co-ordinating the British response to the incident which happened in the French search and rescue region, just west of the Casquets Mid Channel Traffic Separation Scheme. The Coastguard Rescue helicopter, India Juliet, from Lee on Solent, and Rescue 169 from RAF Chivenor are on scene. India Juliet is lifting crew off the chemical tanker 'Ece' which has a significant list to port. Portland Coastguard was called at 2.00 am by its Coastguard colleagues at CROSS Joburg. CROSS Joburg are co-ordinating the incident with the British Coastguard assisting. The incident happened approximately half way between Guernsey and Brixham. The 8,003 ton chemical tanker, 'Ece' is Marshall Islands registered and appears to have sustained significant damage with some of its cargo leaking. The bulk carrier, 'General Grot-Rowecki' reportedly has no significant damage. Portland Coastguard Watch Manager Bruce Lack said: "We are working to ensure the safety of the crew at the moment. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Counter Pollution team have been informed." |
|
| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 January 2006 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|